Abuja: The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to strengthen personnel administration and institutional accountability through improved data management and records keeping. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, mentioned this at the opening of the fourth edition of the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Data Management and Record Keeping Seminar.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, Dean, Faculty of Combat Arm Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, emphasized that accurate data is critical to the army’s transformation agenda. He highlighted that decisions on recruitment, postings, promotions, welfare, logistics, operational planning, and strategic policies rely heavily on the quality of data.
Shaibu noted that data has evolved from a mere administrative requirement to a strategic institutional asset, supporting decision-making, organizational memory, accountability, and operational readiness. He stressed the importance of secure, reliable, and timely management of official records, especially with the Army’s increasing adoption of digital technologies.
The seminar, themed ‘Efficient Data Management and Record Keeping: Imperative for Advancing Transformation of the Nigerian Army,’ aims to standardize records-management practices and enhance data quality across Army formations, units, corps, and establishments. The COAS encouraged participants to share experiences, identify challenges, and develop practical solutions to improve data administration across the service.
He also urged the Department of Military Secretary to continue reforms focused on enhancing the integrity, accessibility, security, and standardization of personnel records. Brig.-Gen. Olawale Oyekola, the Acting Military Secretary, reiterated the indispensable role of reliable data and effective records management in efficient personnel administration.
Oyekola pointed out that decisions on appointments, postings, promotions, and career management depend heavily on accurate and accessible records. He emphasized that what an institution cannot properly record, it cannot effectively manage. The seminar aims to equip participants with skills in digital records management, information assurance, cybersecurity, and risk analysis.
Oyekola noted that the initiative, started under former Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Dey Salam, has become a vital component in improving personnel administration and institutional efficiency. He encouraged participants to ensure that knowledge gained from the seminar results in measurable improvements in their formations, units, and establishments.
The Acting Military Secretary underscored the importance of accuracy, accessibility, and speed in managing personnel information, supported by established standard operating procedures. He also highlighted the necessity of safeguarding sensitive information, controlling access, and strengthening quality assurance to protect institutional accountability.
The seminar gathered participants from Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters departments, formations, corps, establishments, units, and sister services. It is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening data governance and records management as the Nigerian Army advances its digital transformation agenda.